Modifying old bench seat for new bucket seats?

[LandVan]

I have a 1997 E 350 with a 3 person bench seat (quick connect). I just picked up a double bucket seat out of newer E 350.

I don't want to drill anymore holes in my floor/bed since it wouldn't have proper backing so I want to use my existing quick connect frame and bolt the bucket seats to it.

Has anyone attempted this?

[86Scotty]

I haven't yet but am just about to. I'm planning this same setup with buckets replacing a bench on a Chevy van.

All things are possible with a welder.

[mikracer]

I haven't done this but have wanted to do something similar by repurposing the quick release. SMB repurposes the quick release in their transformer setup in the rear as a removable bed. I think if you can build some sort of frame to hold the quick release mechanism to the proper width, then mount the buckets to the frame, you should be good to go.

As 86Scotty said above, welding will be your friend.

[mgmetalworks]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

...All things are possible with a welder and the skills to properly use it

fixed that for ya.

[LandVan]

Originally Posted by mgmetalworks

fixed that for ya.

That's my issue. Haven't welded since my 8th grade shop class.

[mikracer]

I'm sure you can find a shop to weld whatever you come up with. Or hit up Jeremy at Weldtec Designs in El Cajon. He can probably fab up whatever you want. Not sure of his rates, but he builds/sells lifts kits for the Ford and Chevy vans as well as bumpers and other goodies.

[86Scotty]

Well if you don't do it everyday it may've well have been that long for anyone. Welding is all about practice. It will come back to you quickly enough. If you want it pretty hire it out.

MG, thanks, come on over........and bring your welder.

[carringb]

Did you pick up 2nd row bucket seats? If yes, you just need the bucket seat bases, which are also quick release, and mount them using the same bolts as the bench seat.

[LandVan]

Originally Posted by carringb

Did you pick up 2nd row bucket seats? If yes, you just need the bucket seat bases, which are also quick release, and mount them using the same bolts as the bench seat.

My van is a 1997. The holes in the floor are a different pattern than the newer bucket seats from newer van.

Upon initial inspection, I may chop chop off the top rails of the base that the bucket seats bolt to and weld them to the old base of the quick release bench seat.

[spurious]

Talk with red oval, I purchased some factory buckets awhile back and he talked about a simple mod to mount the bench seats to the bucket base plate.